Prof. Keely's Intermediate Algebra Online ~ Clark College, Vancouver WA

Math 095 IalgOL ~ Spring Term 2010

This is a vital document, a contract between student and instructor.
Read it thoroughly and print a hard copy for easy reference
This syllabus is the ruling document in the event of a conflict with stated college or DL policies.

The syllabus for this class is in two parts. Together they make up the complete course syllabus.
This page contains information specific to this class. The MATH ONLINE SYLLABUS contains
additional important details about the course. You must read carefully and abide by both documents.

Course Description:

Class: Intermediate Algebra MATH 095, item #7299 section 1DL, 5 credits, spring 2010
Location: Clark College online course

This is the second course in a two-term sequence of developmental algebra intended to improve your critical thinking abilities and prepare you for college level mathematics courses. This course focuses on algebraic processes related to polynomial, rational, radical, quadratic, exponential, and logarithmic functions and their graphs.

The math 090-095 sequence is designed for the student who is prepared to take algebra at an accelerated pace. This sequence can instead be taken in a normal-paced three-term sequence by taking math 089-091-093 (algebra I-II-III). The 089-091-093 sequence covers the same material overall, but fewer topics/chapters per term than the accelerated 090-095 sequence. By opting to take the accelerated sequence you should be prepared for the added workload and fast-paced delivery. See Clark Math Dept's Should I take the math 089-091-093 or the math 090-095 sequence? flyer for more information.

Prerequisites:

Elementary Algebra (Clark's math 090 or 091) passed with a grade of at least "C" or qualifying score on the placement test. Basic knowledge of computers and the internet is mandatory.

Course Websites:

CLASS WEBSITE:  web.clark.edu/skeely/OL/IALG

Course Materials:

REQUIRED: MyMathLab Student Access Kit (ISBN 032119991X / 9780321199911)

MyMathLab access to the online text and testing center is REQUIRED. MyMathLab is an online course delivery system provided by the textbook publisher. In MyMathLab you can read the complete textbook online, watch video lectures, work interactive tutorial exercises, and take tests. See box below for purchasing options, registration directions, and MyMathLab course ID code.

ATTENTION NEW MYMATHLAB USERS: Once you open the package you may not be able to get a refund. Don't open the access kit until you are sure that you want to take this class.

ATTENTION PREVIOUS MYMATHLAB USERS: If you already have an unexpired MyMathLab access code from a previous course with the same textbook you do not need to buy another one. See the link in the box below for directions on how to change your course ID code.

OPTIONAL TEXT: Introductory & Intermediate Algebra for College Students 3rd edition by Blitzer (ISBN 0136028950 / 9780136028956)
The entire textbook is available online in printable electronic form through MyMathLab so buying a hard copy textbook is optional and unnecessary unless you really want one. If you do opt to buy the hard copy text new, it comes bundled with MyMathLab access.

ATTENTION STUDENTS WHO HAVE THE TUSSY TEXT: If you already have Elementary and Intermediate Algebra by Tussy/Gustafson (used in on-campus 089-095 classes), then you may use it to study from rather than the text listed above, but you are still required to have MyMathLab access since the tests are conducted in MyMathLab. See Blitzer/Tussy Topic Correspondence Chart.

OPTIONAL SUPPLEMENT: GOLDen Mathematics: Intermediate Algebra 2nd edition by Sally Keely. Available from www.lulu.com/skeely downloadable by chapter/topic or in its entirety as an e-book (under $20). See FAQs - GM ebooks for more detailed information.

Technology Requirements:

Internet connection and software requirements:

Daily access to a high-speed internet connected computer and a reliable e-mail account are necessary. See FAQs - software requirements for additional information including any additional required software.

An electronic grapher:

This class involves a fair amount of graphing and requires an electronic graphing device.

Most students benefit from having a graphing calculator. I recommend a TI-84 or TI-89 but many other makes/models will suffice. You are expected to already know how to perform basic numeric operations with your calculator, produce linear graphs on your calculator, and use the features of the calculator to analyze linear graphs (e.g. find intercept values).

Being an online class, you may prefer to use an online graphing program. There are several shareware programs and free online graphing applets available. You may even have graphing software already on your computer!

For more information about choosing/buying/renting a graphing calculator, learning to use a graphing calculator, finding an online graphing program, and determining what graphing software your computer may already have, see FAQs - calculators and graphing.

Points Possible:

The total points possible in this class are listed below. Refer to the math online syllabus for details about each component and important grade policy information.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Learning outcomes specific to Intermediate Algebra are listed below. They refer back to the general Clark College student learning outcomes.

(1) Comprehend and express mathematical ideas and quantitative information by appropriate and accurate use of the notation and vocabulary used in this course. Some specific notations include: function, inverse function, polynomial, rational, complex fraction, radical, exponential, and logarithmic. These outcomes relate to (B), (i), and (ii).

(2) Simplify expressions and solve equations including polynomial, rational, radical, exponential, and logarithmic. These outcomes relate to (A), (ii) - (iv).

(3) Sketch, analyze, and interpret graphs of equations using appropriate methods including technology. Determine domain, range, and intercept points of quadratic, rational, radical, exponential, and logarithmic functions. Find and interpret vertices of parabolas. These outcomes relate to (A), (C), (i) - (iv).

(4) Interpret, analyze, and synthesize quantitative information given in a variety of contexts including applications related to geometry. Represent the information using appropriate mathematical notation and vocabulary, reach justifiable conclusions using proper mathematical form, and interpret and explain results. These outcomes relate to (A), (B), (i) - (iv).

These outcomes will be assessed through the use of collaborative work (class participation and graded assignments) and individual examinations (quizzes and the final exam).

Contractual Obligation:

I consider this class syllabus and the math online syllabus to be contracts between you and I. I agree to abide by all of the policies and procedures contained herein, and by staying in the class, so too do you. If there is anything in either document with which you cannot or will not abide, you should withdraw at once.

Originally written: 2000-05-25
Last revision: 2010-03-12 09:47 AM

Copyright © 2000 Sally J. Keely. All Rights Reserved. web.clark.edu/skeely/OL/IALG